Yes, an American father and Russian father writing back and forth. Incredible.

Holds many of my favorite short stories, but one in particular gets me every time. "The Manned Missiles"

I felt is was redundant until part two, then it became incredible. Just work your way there and you'll be rewarded.

I read it back in July and had a blast. Made me want to trace the trail myself, especially to check out Montana.

Last week I was in Monterey and saw Ed Ricketts shack where Doc's lab is. I love traveling Steinbeck country

Huh. I just look at it as a back up list. I don't think about it for months at a time, and then add the last 5-10 books and move on.

If it becomes what you're describing, that's no good, but you definitely do not need to use it that way.